The LAPD wants to connect with the community at its annual open house on Oct. 20. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

Meet local law enforcement officials and enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Wilshire and West Traffic divisions’ annual open house on Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.

The two Los Angeles Police Department divisions share the same complex at 4861 W. Venice Blvd. and the open house will be held on the grounds behind the police station. Organizers are expecting more than 1,000 people to attend the annual event, which builds community relationships and enables people to experience what it is like to serve in the department.

Personnel from both divisions will provide information about LAPD programs, and visitors can see displays by motorcycle officers, the K-9 Unit, Bomb Squad, SWAT and other specialized units. An LAPD helicopter will be present along with vintage police cars and other vehicles. The Los Angeles Fire Department will also provide fire trucks for photo ops.

“We want people to know that we are part of the community and have a better understanding of what we do here,” said Sg. A.J. Kirby, who leads the Wilshire Division’s Community Relations Office. “It’s giving back to the community that we serve. Everything’s free, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Visitors can learn about the LAPD cadet program and see a martial arts demonstration. Members of local neighborhood councils will staff informational booths. A Kids Zone will offer face painting, games and bounce house. Pink’s Hot Dogs will serve free hot dogs and ice cream will be available, Kirby added.

The open house will also focus on the LAPD’s 150th anniversary, which is being observed throughout 2019. Exhibits on the history of the Wilshire and West Traffic divisions will be presented along with displays about the department.

Stefani Poretz, a community liaison for the Wilshire Division, said the event is important for the community. Coming together with senior lead officers and meeting personnel gives the public a point of contact when problems occur.

“The hope is the community will get a better understanding of who police officers are,” Poretz said. “They are people, fathers and mothers and sons and daughters, who are doing an incredibly dangerous job. They work very hard, and when you meet them, you find they are human, just like everyone else. That’s the whole point of an open house.”

Kirby encouraged anyone seeking information to call the Wilshire Division’s Community Relations Office at (213)473-0200.

“This is geared toward the community, so we hope people will stop by,” Kirby added. “Everyone is welcome.”